Negligence in Nursing Home Caused Resident’s Death

Nursing homes are supposed to provide a safe and healthy environment for our elderly loved ones. Sometimes that is not the case. In fact, hundreds of nursing home residents are injured every year because of neglect or abuse. It is difficult to know that our parent was harmed because of neglect at the very place that was believed to be protecting them. A recent lawsuit filed in Cook County brings to light the problem of nursing home neglect. The lawsuit claims that a man was seriously injured and died because of negligence at Southpoint Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The lawsuit was brought by the man’s estate on behalf of the man’s sister.

Nursing Home Fall Led to Death

Falls can cause serious injuries, especially to the elderly. According to the CDC, Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, 1,800 nursing home residents die each year because of a fall. The man in this case was, according to the lawsuit, not adequately supervised or assisted, causing him to fall. Further, he was not properly assessed and no medical treatment was rendered. The next day he complained of pain and was finally transported to the hospital. He was diagnosed with a fractured hip which required surgery. According to the lawsuit, the man’s health declined following the surgery and he later died.Preventing Nursing Home Falls

The elderly are at a higher risk of serious injury from falls so care must be taken to prevent them from occurring. Nursing homes are required to provide a safe environment. Safety bars, bed rails, and walking devices are helpful in assisting nursing home residents. The floors must be kept clean and dry and free from hazards. Care workers must properly supervise residents, who often require help with their daily activities. Nursing homes must train their personnel in the correct lifting techniques. Management needs to provide enough staff to assist patients and supervise them as necessary. Failure to keep patients safe is a form of nursing home neglect.

Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect is a serious concern. It is important to note that many nursing home patients do not report a problem with neglect or abuse. They may be unable to communicate the neglect or may simply be unwilling to tell anyone about the situation. For these reasons, it is particularly important for you to understand and look for any signs of abuse or neglect in your loved one. Unexplained bruises, pressure sores, and depression could all indicate a neglectful situation. If you suspect nursing home neglect it must be reported immediately and steps need to be taken to ensure that your loved one is safe.

Nursing Home Neglect Lawsuit

In this case, the injury contributed to the man’s death. Had it not been for the fall, he would not have suffered the fractured hip that required surgery. Elderly people do not always heal as quickly as younger people and recovery from surgery can be difficult. When neglect has occurred the victim and his family are entitled to collect damages. Damages cover the expenses of medical care, money for pain and suffering, and any other costs associated with the injury. If your loved one was seriously hurt or died because of nursing home neglect, contact the experienced legal team at Levin & Perconti to discuss your case.

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Disclaimer

The purpose of this blog is to deliver news and information that is relevant to our areas of practice. The news and information reported on this blog represent the legal actions of attorneys throughout the United States. Our firm does not claim to represent plaintiffs in all of the lawsuits, settlements, and jury verdicts reported, only those noted as Levin & Perconti cases.